The topic for this blog has been in my mind for quite some time, but I’m a bit hesitant to write about it. I’ve talked on here about my experiences with the PS Vita, about the differences in playing a 3DS and a Vita. A couple of weeks ago I wrote about my opinion as to which system is the better one. But there’s one difference between 3DS gaming and Vita gaming that I haven’t mentioned yet, though I noticed it right away. And that is this: forum life when you want to chat about your Vita is very different!
For me, gaming always went hand in hand with chatting about it with other gamers. People that share your passion for a specific game or for gaming in general. And I’ve found many nice forums revolving around Nintendo that gave me a lot of joy. It started with the Animalcrossingcommunity.com, and from there I kept on chatting on the 3DSforum.com, at the forums of Nintendolife.com and various other friendly gatherings of Nintendo fans. I learned a lot on them, met a lot of nice people and they generally added to my gaming fun.
When I started gaming on my Vita I took the same route, searching for a nice forum to chat Vita gaming and to get to know more about my new device. Well let me tell you, it’s a whole different world out there! I’ve seen words used that I don’t think should be used anywhere, let alone online in a conversation. I’ve seen arguments with people saying horrible things to each other. It’s not like people were rude to me, they were nice enough. I guess going in with an open mind and a friendly attitude helps, like it does in “real life” too! But unlike in most Nintendo forums, it didn’t feel safe to say a lot. And where Nintendo fans are usually very positive about their device, I’ve seen comments from people who were putting down their own device of choice.
I wonder why that Is? Could it be because the audiences for Nintendo devices are of all ages, while Playstation and Vita games are for an age group that’s a little bit older, teenagers and younger adults? Added to that, there didn’t seem to be a lot of ladies gaming on the Vita. Might even be because of the type of games? I can’t exactly pinpoint it, but I did notice the difference. So why did I hesitate to write about it? Because I did meet some people there that were nice to chat with, and I don’t want to offend them.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the matter, please feel free to comment!
Very interesting read. I never went on the Vita forums, but I’m not really surprised by what you unearthed there… Unlike the Nintendo devices that are marketed as inclusive experiences that everybody can enjoy, the Vita is clearly marketed towards a very narrow audience, which may in turn create a exclusive state of mind in said audience. But that’s just speculation… 🙂
I think that’s true, I do believe Nintendo makes an effort to create a playable by all atmosphere, which translates to its forums. While Sony doesn’t, or just aims at teens and young adults. I haven’t see any indication of anyone trying to mellow it all down!
I never bought a Vita due to cost, but that is just me. I would rather use the PS3, and then use the DS when mobile.
Re: “I did meet some people there that were nice to chat with, and I don’t want to offend them.”
Say what you need to say, that is what blogging is all about. If anyone is vulgar, that means that you win.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/442056519645917986/
Example: I blog about pop culture and music history. Despite liking all kinds of music worldwide, I always offend whenever I say that I hate rap music, and have never heard a rap song that I liked.
(Sorry so off topic).
But I did say what I wanted to say, I just meant that in those forums I did meet up with some nice people too, and I didn’t want them to think I was talking about them too, lol.
You’re right, you can’t please everyone, that is difficult for me, so I will take your advice to heart!
You are a nice person.
☺️
Animal Crossing groups are the sweetest groups ever! Perhaps it’s the relaxing nature of the game.
I agree, in hindsight it was the best place to find my way around gaming forums!
This is a really difficult and complex can of worms you’ve opened here, Yvo!
Unlike you, I’ve never spent much time on Nintendo forums, but I do interact a lot with Vita gamers. One place I found better than others is The Vita Lounge forums.
I think you’re right in that it has a lot to do with what type of market (and gaming ambience) the companies target, and Nintendo has always been about ‘safe’, usually kid-friendly gaming. Nin goes to a lot of trouble to keep things like online chatting and connecting safe and supervisable for parents.
The Playstation is a whole ‘nother ecosphere to be sure! There is a lot more ‘mature’ content, many gamers are very competitive in nature; in short, there’s a lot of the young male testosterone culture out there that likes to strut its stuff.
But I can’t agree that there aren’t many female Vita gamers; I’ve come across a fair number. But I guess Nintendo handhelds will attract larger female numbers, esp. since Nintendo has apparently patented the “cute” genome! 😉
For me, all this goes both ways. I sometimes find Nintendo channels too ‘sugary’, navel-gazing and insular; and then again I find them heart-warming and super friendly.
Whereas Playstation is very much about pushing boundaries. But nothing ever excuses hateful language and attitude.
Another huge problem the Vita is battling is perception. The Vita hasn’t done well commercially; as you know Sony have practically washed their hands of it (sadly). A lot of Vita fans feel beleaguered and like they constantly have to defend their choice of platform. And Vita bloggers, forums etc. are beset and often hounded by nasty-minded trolls who have decided to ‘hate on’ the Vita.
All in all, not an easy situation, and it can be difficult to gauge at times what’s going on beneath the surface.
Anyway, good on ya for calling the shots and bravely tackling this subject!
Good analysis Britta. Nothing excuses trolling and hateful comments. But I do think you are right about the Vita fans feeling as if they have to defend themselves. It’s such a shame Sony dropped the device so soon, as it’s a gem in my gaming life. What I will do is visit the Vita Lounge, I think I was there briefly for a bit, but I’ll give it another shot. Your presence there should make it all much more comfy!